As construction of the new Frank Venables Theatre is nearing completion, a committee has been tasked with developing a budget and securing operating funding.
And part of that funding will come from local taxpayers.
In her staff report last week, Oliver Parks and Recreation manager Carol Sheridan reported that the facility will be completed by the end of December, and a grand opening is slated early in the new year.
A special committee consists of Tom Szalay, Bev Young, Mitch Van Aller, Lynda Minnabarriet, Mark Woods and Wendy Newman.
Sheridan said the current financial situation makes it necessary for the Town of Oliver and the regional district to fund the start-up costs and ongoing operations.
Sheridan noted that Area C director Allan Patton is not comfortable asking taxpayers for additional dollars to fund this project. She said there could be an impact on the Parks and Recreation budget through a decrease in the amount of funding they will receive from the regional district in 2014 and beyond.
Sheridan said it is not clear whether Parks and Recreation will be involved in the start-up management operations of the facility or whether this role will go immediately to a hired operator.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
